Hi Karen, a neck dissection is no biggie in itself. Kris has undergone this twice.
Seeing as how nerves are usually severed it is a relatively painless procedure. You will usually have a small suction bottle hanging out of the neck which is usually removed the day after surgery, and then be discharged home. Many do complain of neck and facial numbness following this surgery. Some get some improvement, some don't. Kris has no concerns over this.
As Christine mentioned, get your physiotherapy started as soon as possible. Otherwise you will have many problems with lifting your arm on the affected side above shoulder height. Early physio will avoid any of these difficulties.
All will go well, take are,
Tammy

Caregiver/advocate to Husband Kris age 59@ diagnosis
DX Dec '10 SCC BOT T4aN2bM0 HPV+ve.Cisplatin x3 35 IMRT.
PET 6/11 clear.
R) level 2-4 neck dissection 8/1/11 to remove residual node - necrotic with NED
Feb '12 Ca back.. 3/8/12 total glossectomy/laryngectomy/bilat neck dissection/partial pharyngectomy etc. clear margins. All nodes negative for disease. PEG in.
March 2017 - 5 years disease free. Woohoo!